Locus of control and self-directed learning as predictors of wellbeing in the elderly

Elderly people who remain mentally and physically active typically report high levels of wellbeing. While demographic factors have accounted for comparatively small amounts of the variance in wellbeing, internal control, personal growth, and direction in life have been hypothesised to be more predictive of wellbeing- This study examines the relationship among locus of control, self-directed learning readiness, and wellbeing in the elderly, while controlling for physical activity levels, financial satisfaction, and prior education. Participants were 117 people over the age of 60 years, sampled from retirement villages, hostels, clubs, and University of the Third Age campuses in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia. There were modest correlations between all of the measures of locus of control and self-directed learning. A factor analysis found two facets of wellbeing, one based on each of the two wellbeing scales, the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale and the Scales of Psychological Well-being. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that self-directed learning readiness was a better predictor of both facets of wellbeing than was internal locus of control. The promotion of self-directed learning may therefore be a useful strategy for health care professionals, adult educators, and others to use in assisting elderly people to develop or maintain their sense of wellbeing while adapting to the changes associated with ageing.